The Ontario Provincial Police, community leaders and family members gathered in Madoc to dedicate a bridge in memory of Constable Charles W. St. Charles, who died in the line of duty in 1926.
Memorial signs were unveiled at the bridge located at Highway 62 and Kellers Bridge Road, creating a permanent tribute to the longtime police officer.
Constable St. Charles served the Madoc area for 25 years as a bailiff, town constable and county constable. On Nov. 15, 1926, he was ambushed and shot while carrying out a tax distress warrant at a local farm. He later died from his injuries on Dec. 22, 1926.
The dedication comes as the province approaches the 100th anniversary of his death. Officials said the memorial will help ensure his service and sacrifice are remembered by future generations.
Bridge dedications are part of Ontario’s Highway Memorials for Fallen Officers program, which honours police officers who have died in the line of duty.
